Holiday Troubles

By the year 1997, things had fallen in more or less a comfortable routine for the Masters and the double lives they lived. Ever since starting their family, their anxiety had increased. However, they wouldn't have changed it for anything.

Currently, Jasmine Magdalene Masters, their firstborn, was six-years-old. She already validated indications of being a prodigy. Jazz's reading level was on par with a fifth grader. Her use of vocabulary was far more advance then a child of her age.

It wasn't peculiar to find their firstborn spending hours in the library devouring advanced literature for her age. Jazz was seldom in the children's section of their library. Storybooks weren't her taste as much as encyclopedias and textbooks on psychological science or humanistic discipline.

Their daughter possessed the gift of words, without a doubt. Her journals contained her stories along with poetry. Frequently she'd read her anecdotes to her family at bedtime. Jazz's other passions consisted of swimming and playing the flute.

Of course, Vlad felt incredibly proud of his 'little flower' his nickname for her. However, Magdalene knew Vlad's pride and joy was his son Daniel Vlad Masters. What father wouldn't be rejoicing in having at least one son?

Naturally, father and son possessed a strong unbreakable bond. Vlad, as much as he loved his son, didn't play favorites. He made certain to treat all his children fairly and equally. To grant them as much affection furthermore support he could potentially give.

Still, there was no denying Vlad and Danny had a special bond. Vlad called Danny his "little badger' like his sister had called him. He'd even given his childhood doll to Danny. His son loved playing with his space toys, challenging his father chess, or practicing piano with his mother.

Danny wasn't athletic, unlike his sisters. However, his mind was as keen as theirs. Despite being only four, he excelled at astronomy, so he was unrivaled in that field.

As for their youngest? Danielle Faith Masters? Being only two years old, her personality had yet to develop genuinely. They're at least confident about one thing. Danielle had all the indicators of being a gifted artist.

She was still too young to begin any music lessons. Nevertheless, they'd caught her attempting to play the violin more then once. It wasn't bad for a two-year-old.

Personally, Magdalene considered the combination of flute, piano, and violin to be an idealistic one. She couldn't wait till her children were a little older and ready for more advanced auditory communication.

In addition to their children's musical potential, Vlad and Mag's little angel possessed the makings of becoming an Olympic-level gymnast. Thus, they're anxious for her to begin lessons.

Either way, both parents were proud of their children. Whatever they chose to pursue, they'd do their best to give them time, love, and support they needed to achieve their goals. Moreover, be proud of them no matter what they did.

However, life for the Masters was no bed of roses. They're other difficulties they're forced to deal with discreetly. Naturally, given their parents were hybrids, so were the children themselves.

Talk about a nightmare attempting to keep the children from exposing themselves to the human staff. It was a time like these that Nanny Anna was a gift from the Ancients. Whenever the children's abilities cropped up, she'd used her bewitched brooch to modify one's memories to keep the children safe.

Today none of the staff happened to be on the job at the castle. Everyone they employed had an identical contract. Each paid the same amount of money. The written agreement also covered healthcare, money for emergencies, one week off a month, and a two-week paid vacation twice a year.

It just happened this time all the staff had taken time off at the same time. Not that they could blame them, given it was the start of June, so summer had arrived, who wouldn't want to take advantage of that?

Currently, the family of five were in their concealed medical laboratory, situated on the third floor. Vlad and Mag had gone out of their way to guarantee no one could access rooms they shouldn't be in. Ghost and human alike.

Given their children were hybrids, they'd unique health care requirements. Also, the children inherited their mother's weakened immune system while narrowly avoiding their father's side health issues.

They'd outfitted the castle to guarantee the environment was kept sterilized as achievable. Twice a day, the children took medications to keep their conditions in tip-top shape.

With great difficulty, a serum been manufactured to guarantee the children stayed flourishing. It'd be administrated once every day. Another essential treatment was a weekly transfusion of blood and ectoplasm.

One fantastical fact regarding their kids? Their blood and ecto-type were in reverse. Their blood was O-. Which meant their blood could go to anyone. In contrast, their ecto type was XYZ-. It was like AB- was the universal recipient.

Currently, Danielle was the fussiest, given she was only two. Mag held her in her arms while her father tried to get the needle in. "Shush, it's okay, baby. You're my brave little angel. You can do this," rocking the little raven-haired girl in the brand new cerulean attire.

"I don't wanna, Mommy! It hurts!" wailed the two-year-old as she pricked.

"It's okay, sweetheart. It will all be over within an hour. Don't you trust Daddy not to hurt you?" her mommy asked her daughter, who wouldn't stop crying.

"I think we should turn on some cartoons, Mag," her husband suggested kindly. He gazed at their other children, "Daniel looks like he's about to cry as well. Jasmine is doing her best to keep her little brother calm, but she's only six and can do so much."

"Good thing we installed a TV in here," Mag whispered as she soothingly stroked Danielle's hair, "Should we turn on the Ghost Channel? They seemed to like the cartoons from the future better then the ones on TV right now."

"Sure, I can do that. Kids? What future day cartoon do you wish to watch today?" asked their daddy to which they're quick to answer. Jazz wanted to watch My Little Pony, as did Danielle. Danny longed-for TMNT 2003. Therefore they settled for one episode apiece.

"Well, I must admit it genuinely helps with our parenting having a few advantages over other people," Mag confessed with a giggle. Their daughters' choice episode. "Sister-hooves Social," Followed by their son's choice "Tales of Leo."

Before long, the treatment concluded, subsequently, the young parents took their sleepy-eyed kids back to their bedrooms to nap for the rest of the day.

Magdalene sighed as she closed her youngest child's door and saw her husband close their son's door. "At least they went down easy this time," was all Mag said as the parents headed downstairs.

"Yes, that's a good thing too. So shall we have some coco and go over a few things?" Vlad asked casually, which made his wife sigh once more. Turning to face him, she replied, "We can have some hot chocolate, but must we talk about business?"

"It will only be a few minutes, I promise," he assured her softly, "They're just one thing I want to go over with you."

"Alright," she said in defeat as she adjusted her lavender headband, "I'll make the hot chocolate, and you go get whatever you need from your study." With a quick peck on the cheek, they went in different directions.

Twenty minutes later, they're sitting in the living room going over a brand-new business organization proposal. Vlad desired to develop different partnerships in various countries oversea.

He sought, in particular, assist less fortunate nations out, which is why he was attempting to make a business deal with Ukraine. He found it a bit tricky given having a hard time speaking their language.

Given the country sizable commercial enterprise in both agriculture and building high-tech vehicles, he yearned-for a partnership with them on those two respective prospects. Nevertheless, Vlad wasn't that talented in speaking other languages.

Mag looked over the proposal carefully and found it be sound. She only had to correct a few details before assuring him when they'd their conference it'd go excellently.

"You know, Vlad, I've been thinking about something for a while," Magdalene said as she handed him back the file. "What's that, my dear?"

"Well, I think its time we took a holiday ourselves. We've not had a vacation in years. I believe some family quality is needed. Plus, I think its important the children spend time with their grandmother, aunt, and cousins."

"You truly believe its the right time to take leisure time, dear?" as she played with his snow-white hair. He breathed in the scent of lavender and lilacs from her perfume.

"Well, I genuinely think we are owed for some family time," as they cuddle closer together. Gazing her blue-violet eyes into his blue ones, she purred, "C'mon, Vlad. Between business and dealing with the kids, when has there been time for fun?"

"Well, where would you like us to jet off too? The Bahamas or the Philippians?" he asked earnestly, so he was confused by his wife's answer. "I thought we should go for a cruise down the River Styx."

"Come again? Why are you referring to Greek mythology?" genuinely confused by her answer though she was equally surprised by his bewilderment.

She giggled uncontrollably, and he didn't find what was amusing. Finally, Mag enlightens him. "Vlad, the River Styx isn't a myth at all. Sure, as shooting all the times we've been in Pandora's Realm, you witnessed it in the distance?

Remember, all myths have a seed of truth. Furthermore, the Ghost Zone is a refuge for all supernatural beings. Each of them having their own domain. Therefore everything from Greek myths is in the Realm claimed by Pandora. So yes, the River Styx is quite genuine."

"Moreover, you yearn to go on a voyage on the river of death?" sounding and looking skeptical about it.

"Well, Pandora says it's quite lovely this time of the year. She's informed me about the yearly voyage when I pick up the kids last week from her. Who'd of thought Pandora the best babysitter in all the Ghost Zone?" she giggled happily as she kissed her husband once before he replied.

"Yes, that was certainly a surprise that she came so highly recommended. But how do you propose we go on a cruise in the Ghost Zone with my mother and sister's family?" he asked earnestly, and of course, Mag already had a response in order.

"I think it's time we're honest and Mark them. After all, there no limit to how many you can, Mark. Though its advice to only Mark someone you've got a strong bond with already."

"Does this mean you want Leta to come along on the cruise as well? Given she's your best friend and you've Marked her?" knowing his wife and her best friend were joined at the hip.

"Well, I'm positive she relish a vacation given how busy her shop been. Not to mention the state of her love life, I'm convinced she savor a chance to unwind."

Sighing, he nodded, "I feel you're right. We could use some downtime. Still, I'm a little wary of informing my mother and my sister's family the truth about herself."

"All I know for sure, beloved, is its important, to be honest with your loved ones."

"I think it is easier if we told them over dinner. Without the servants, just a family dinner."

"Do you at least want the servants to cook the meal then make themselves scarce?"

"I believe that be the best course of action. We should serve some traditional Russian dishes. Though for dessert, we should've chocolate strawberry cheesecake."

"Let me guess that's your mother's favorite dessert?" Mag asked with one eyebrow cocked to which her husband nodded. "Yes, my mother and sister have a weakness for cheesecake."

"Funny, it was also my mother's favorite dessert. Surprisingly what our parents had in common," she looked slightly depressed as she said this. Even if it been several years now, she still felt the grief of losing her parents.

Vlad squeezed her hand tightly, "Mag, I know how much you miss your parents. How much it saddens you, our children will never know them. It saddens me too.

Just as it saddens me that my mother and sister can't come over more often and be with us, so I've to agree you're correct we should spend time as a family."

"Glad you see it that way, beloved. I'll do some research on the trip. You busy yourself with making the arrangements with your family. Also, check out how Ian and Stacey are doing."

"I'm sure they're fine. After all, they just went to see Brooke's grandparents in Albany."

"Still check in on them, please. They're best friends, and yes, you can have more then one best friend," as she kissed his forehead and left.

"I'm so blessed to have you, Magdalene. I don't know what I do without you," the billionaire whispered. Smiling, he pulled out his cell phone to make a few calls.

Just as he expected, the Kents were alright. Ian even texted that soon Brooke would have a cousin as his sister-in-law and her husband just found out they're expecting.

Naturally, Vlad texted back that they're all thrilled with the news. Then he texted his mother and sister about coming over for dinner next week. He'd even provide the transport for them. They replied they'd be there and were looking forward to it. Smiling, Vlad decided to go to the home theater and watch one of his favorite Packers games.

Anastasia and Nayda were looking forward to seeing Vlad since it been over a year for both of them since they'd seen him or his family, which is why they're looking forward to it so much.

Nayda Ivanova, at the moment, was attempting to get her husband not to be so grouchy about it. Her husband owned a ceramic commercial enterprise paired with renowned home furnishings companies. Ivan did work hard to provide for his family, but he wasn't without flaws. Which meant the Ivanova's had martial issues like every other couple.

"Come on, Ivan. Quit being a sourpuss," she scolded her husband as she cut up some vegetables. "Why is visiting my brother and his family something you dread? Don't you want to see your nieces and nephew? I'm sure Peter and Catherine would love to see their cousins."

"Oh, sure, let them see how privileged Vlad's family is. Compared to us simple folk. Let your brother show off how much better he is then us," the tall, burly curly-haired man retorted as he continued to fix dinner.

His wife blew her brunette locks out of her face before locking her light blue eyes on her husband's gray ones, "Vanya! How many times have I told you not to accuses my brother of being some moneyed snob?

Vlad isn't like those wealthy pleasure-seekers from television. I hope you stop stereotyping him. My baby brother is a hardworking family man. Furthermore, Vanya, his family comes first," as she started to make a salad for dinner.

"Then why does he have to live in a castle being waited on hand and foot? That sounds like a social climber to me," her husband grumbled with resentment.

Nayda took a deep breath and counted to ten before she repeated her answer once again on this topic. Clearly, from the way she answered, she done this many times before and was fed up by it.

"Again, honey, there no reason to make my brother out to be someone he's not," she paused for a moment before her tone changed. Now she'd her husband's full attention as the ire grew in her voice.

" You know Magdalene had to agree to live there before they bought. If she hadn't agreed, then he would've settled on what she wanted. The good lord did step in to make sure he didn't commit folly there," as she reminded him what his sister-in-law told them.

She then drilled another point home, "Besides you know Vlad helped us purchase our home so we wouldn't have to struggle to pay a mortgage. May I remind you he didn't have to do that?" as they now moved to the dining room.

"He only procured our domicile to show off how wealthy he is," Ivan replied when his wife ultimately lost her cool. Therefore she jogged Ivan's selective memory of the real rational motive of her brother's generosity.

"Vanya! Need I remind you again if he hadn't acquired us this magnificent dwelling we'd be on the streets?" she emphasized while looking at her husband exasperated.

"You think I couldn't get us out of debt?" he asked indignantly to which his wife gave him a pitiless expression with a larger scowl. Crossing her arms, she replied honestly.

"Honestly, Ivan? No," as she held up one hand to stop him from retorting, "Look, I know you've been going to gamblers anonymous for years now. But you can't lie that your addiction to video poker led us into debt."

"Okay, I admit I'd a problem. I've been working on it," he conceded to his wife. He knew she was right when she reminded him of what nearly terminated their spousal relationship.

"Then stop harping on my brother for making sure we had a roof over heads and food on the table," as they finished setting the table. Then she turned and called out, "Petya! Katya! Time for dinner!" she called her children, who came bounding in.

Peter was her oldest and resembled her while her daughter Catherine was the spitting image of her father. Peter was six, and Catherine was four. Like their cousins.

Peter had been born on Valentine's Day, and his sister been born on April 4th. It had made her mother Anastasia so enchanted to have so many grandchildren born so close together.

Nayda quietly informed her children they'd be visiting their cousins next week for dinner with their grandmother, and they needed to be on their best behavior.

Peter was eager to join Jazz in the library as he loved to read almost as much as he loved making pottery. Catherine asked if they'd be able to ride their Aunt's horses or help with the garden. Katya loved everything to do with nature and animals.

Nayda assured her children everything would go well when they visited their uncle's home. Though as she and her mother discussed later that evening for some reason, they knew this wouldn't be like any other trip to see their brother.

Mother and daughter had no idea how right they're that next week would change their lives forever. It's not every day your sense of reality gets rocked to the core.

Or you find out there really is a whole another world out there. You don't expect due to some nincompoop's blunder your son/brother now a ghost-human hybrid.

Nope, that's not something you expect to learn. Or how to make sure your husband doesn't try to use this for personal gain. Or your children don't feel jealous of their cousins. Though by the time all was said and done, the Masters' extended family had been Marked, and the family then enjoyed a pleasure cruise down the River Styx. All in all, that was the new norm for this family.

Ivan "Vanya" Zahar Ivanova- March 11th- Kelsey Grammer

Peter "Petya" Andrei Ivanova- February 14th- Sean Schemmel- Lucario

Catherine "Katya" Vlada Ivanova- birthday April 4th- Sharon Mann- Aelita- Code Lyoko